Music – Page 7 – Ruby Hornet

Trap Of The World

From Atlanta to Beijing the world is obsessed with trap music. Maybe it’s because of the infectious triplet based rhythms, maybe it’s because of America’s influence on popular culture world wide, but trap is here to stay across the globe. Back in 2015 Korean rapper Keith Ape took the world by storm with his track “잊지마 (It G Ma)”, amassing 55 million streams and even got a remix featuring A$AP Ferg, Father, Dumbfoundead and Waka Flocka Flame. Keith Ape and the rest of Cohort are the biggest trap stars in Korea, but they are not the only ones over there, and It G Ma was just the beginning of massive trap hits around the world. Here are just a few of the rappers that are bringing trap music world wide.

Higher Brothers (China)

When you’re the biggest stars of your genre in the biggest country in the world you’re bound to make a wave. Hailing from Chengdu, Higher Brothers are part of a bigger hip hop collective called 说唱会馆 (Chengdu Rap House, or CDC) and they started off their career with a mixtape in 2016 that took off. After that they dropped Black Cab in 2017 with hit tracks “WeChat” and “Made In China”. They have started to cross over into the international scene with features from Famous Dex and Keith Ape.

https://youtu.be/rILKm-DC06A

https://youtu.be/LsQCNtCH2sc

Niska (France)

France has a pretty established rap scene, with older MC’s like Booba and MC Solaar having paved the way back in the 90s and early 2000s. But French rap has alway been a little behind America in their production and flow. Niska is an exception to that. Niska comes from Évry, a suburb outside of Paris that is one of the most violent towns in France. He originally came onto the scene as a solo artist in 2015 with his album Charo Life which charted at #3 in France, but his breakthrough album was last years Commando which featured tracks like “Salé” (117 million views on youtube) and “Tubalife” featuring Booba (38 million views) which brought the album to #1 in France, #3 in Belgium and #6 in Switzerland. His song “Réseaux” was re-issued with features from Quavo and Stefflon Don.

https://youtu.be/KVpeHSX2ZEY

https://youtu.be/rRtsXBLdZDw

Farruko (Puerto Rico)

Farruko has been putting out music since 2009, but he didn’t really start rapping until more recently. Farruko is kind of the exception on this list because he had already achieved superstardom before he started making trap music, but his recent releases have been nothing to overlook. Last year he put out TrapXficante which had the single “Krippy Kush” (615 million streams on youtube) and with that he was able to change himself to more of a rapper than a singer, even though he is certainly both. “Krippy Kush” was remixed by Nicki Minaj and featured Travis Scott, and that remix is what crossed Farruko over to english speakers all around the world.

https://youtu.be/j1_JW7An2l0

https://youtu.be/_Uqd3Z1fVtA

Manu Crook$(Australia)

Australia doesn’t have much of a rap history. In 2003 Hilltop Hoods really brought rap to the island, but they had a unique style that wasn’t really like what was happening in the rest of the world. Sydney's Manu Crook$ is the one of the first Australian rappers to make music that was on par with what is happening in America. While he may not have the same popularity as other artists on this list, Manu Crook$ is really an exception and his popularity shows how popular the trap sound is.

https://youtu.be/iGtkvmWh_zE

https://youtu.be/-4zXv6ys2t4

Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)

If you didn’t know that Cassper Nyovest was from South Africa you might never think that he isn’t American. Everything from his clothes, to his videos are on trend with what’s happening in the US. His debut album Tsholofelo went platinum in South Africa and was #1 on the charts for 2 months. His third album, Thuto, went double platinum with bangers on it like “Tito Mbweni” and “Ng'yekeleni” which featured The Roots’ Black Thought. Cassper Nyovest is the biggest rapper in South Africa because he continues to put out high quality tracks that sound like they could be from Atlanta.

https://youtu.be/Yihc_E0tv1g

https://youtu.be/USqMtGsFG-k

Mashayabhuqe KaMamba (South Africa)

There are two South African rappers on this list to prove a point, trap isn’t limited by language because, unlike Cassper Nyovest, Mashayabhuqe KaMamba raps in Zulu. The Johannesburg native brings the heat on tracks like “Sun City Flow” and “Shandarabaa Ekhelemendeh” and just like all of the other songs on the list that aren’t in English, you don’t have to speak the language to see just how hard he goes on them. Mashayabhuqe hasn’t quite made it as big as everyone else on this list, but he is well on his way, and is the biggest Zulu rapper around.

https://youtu.be/F8zFjwQ8EQM

https://youtu.be/gLyfIJop_U8

Haikaiss (Brazil)

When you think about it, it’s only natural that trap would be big in Brazil. The country is home to some of the most compelling rhythms in music, so it makes sense that the most rhythmically diverse subgenres of rap would work for them. Haikaiss has managed to cash in on trap in Brazil, with their track “Rap Lord” earning 106 million views on YouTube. Their career really kicked off back in 2012 when they opened for Wiz Khalifa in São Paulo and since then they have put out heavy track after heavy track.

https://youtu.be/e_xGeZDk3Sw

https://youtu.be/to8aru9KMdY

Face (Russia)

There were actually a lot of Russian artists to choose from for this list, it turns out that trap is really popular over there. Face is a 21 year old rapper from Ufa, Russia. If you were to compare him to anyone in the American rap scene he’s probably most similar to Lil Pump, he even references him a few times in his songs. His tracks are full of adlibs straight from the US, and he’s just started to crossover to the international community. Last February he put out a video that Cole Bennet from Lyrical Lemonade directed, which helped to confirm his status. He put out his first project in 2015 when he was 18 years old and broke through with his track “Гоша Рубчинский” which has picked up 9 million views on youtube since the video was released in January 2016.

https://youtu.be/oBHGxGPTsAI

https://youtu.be/h4MqcpOUWVo

Yung Lean (Sweden)

Arguably the most popular rapper on this list (at least in America), Yung Lean comes from Stockholm, Sweden. Back in 2013 he released his first mixtape, Unknown Death 2002 and when two tracks from it went viral Yung Lean became the biggest Swedish rapper in the world. The fact that he raps in English made it easy for Lean to crossover into the American rap world, and in 2014 he did his first North American tour. Since then he has had features from A$ap Ferg, Travi$ Scott and more heavy hitters.

https://youtu.be/tMgkt9jdjTU

https://youtu.be/-IX4_dRWUak

So what does it all mean? Trap is here to stay and "here" is everywhere.

by Stephen Kaplan

[RH Interview] TreeJay Speaks On Music & Growing Up With Mac Miller

TreeJay, a well known associate of Mac Miller, who runs his YouTube channel, produces beats, and hosts an annual 4/20 project, chopped it up with us. The Pittsburgh born stoner has hosted projects with the likes of, Dave East, Juicy J, and of course Mac Miller appearing on them. Check out our full interview with TreeJay below.

rubyhornet: Before we dive in, what are your thoughts on the XXL lineup that came out the other day?

TreeJay: I really like JID, I think he’s very talented. Also some homies from Pittsburgh (Zeke & Barry) help him out so I gotta support the hometown homies. Besides JID, I honestly haven’t listened to much of the other artists music, but congratulations to everyone that made the list.

rubyhornet: For any of our readers who aren’t familiar with TreeJay, who is TreeJay?

TreeJay: I’d like to say I’m a productive stoner ha. I got the nickname TreeJay from a kid in high school (Obviously because I smoke a lot). I made videos called “High Eyes” on YouTube back in the day of me smoking.

rubyhornet: How did you and Mac Miller first meet?

TreeJay: In grade school, I was a couple grades above him but we went to the same elementary school. Really started kicking it I’d say my junior / his freshman year.

rubyhornet: The amount of attention that you and your friends started receiving dramatically took off 8/9 years ago. Was there a “tipping point” or a special moment that you realized what was about to happen?

TreeJay: I remember Mac coming back to the homies crib from the studio back in the day. He had just recorded a jam and the verses and the hook were super fire for back then. That’s just when I knew it was all going to workout. I’ve always had faith, but that was the moment I was like yeah this is definitely happening.

rubyhornet: Your Sound Cloud has been pretty quiet for the past 2 years. Do you still produce beats/plan on releasing more in the future?

TreeJay: Funny you ask that, I’ve been working and trying to get better at making beats. I’m actually about to start uploading new content either today or the next few days. Really excited to get back to putting beats out. I still want to drop a little beat tape at some point.

rubyhornet: Most memorable experience while on tour?

TreeJay: I really can’t pin-point just one thing. There’s been a ton of cool moments. From hanging out with Juicy J, seeing Mac in the studio with Bun B. Watching Ja Rule come out and perform a couple hits, it’s been a fun adventure.

rubyhornet: Do you have anything planned for the 10^th anniversary of your 4/20 tape series?

TreeJay: I have a few ideas, I’d love to do some type of Apple Music release. Would also love to have a listening party in Pittsburgh or LA. I’d rather do it in Pittsburgh, but with these new weed lounges coming to LA that sounds like the move.

rubyhornet: If you could have a conversation with yourself 10 years ago from today, what would you say?

TreeJay: To soak up all the knowledge that I can. Keep my ears and eyes open. Make sure I network a lot better. And to just enjoy life.

rubyhornet: Anyone you'd like to shoutout?

TreeJay: Shoutout Ruby Hornet! Also check out this artist from Pittsburgh her name is Sierra Sellers. She’s gonna be the next wave I’m calling it now!

[youtube id="IuU4focBYUA"]

by Collin Covert

Meyhem Lauren and DJ Muggs Continue Their Streak with "Northern Blvd" Video

"I told'em, 'that's old shit', they busy staring at my neck, looking at gold shit."

In 2017, DJ Muggs and Meyhem Lauren connected for the LP, Gems From The Equinox. I remember reading interviews with Muggs at the time, and he called Meyhem one of his favorite rappers and collaborators. That's tough talk from a legend like DJ Muggs, who has worked with some heavy hitters and produced 2 classic LP's in Cypress Hill's first and second albums (yes, those are classics and Muggs invented a new sound on those joints). Putting his money and time where his mouth is, Muggs connected with Meyhem again for a re-up, Frozen Angels, an EP that released last week. Today they gifted us the video for "Northern Blvd", which put visuals to a tale of riding dirty and getting pulled over. The song is psychological, displaying the mental stresses and requirements after getting pulled over. Meyhem is joined on the record and in the video by Hologram, who ends his verse with "I'm trying to tell the shorties that crime don't pay."

Lots of quotables here in only two minutes. Peep the video, then go check out the EP.

https://youtu.be/l3RW2hVR5Uk

by Alexander Fruchter

Kanye Shares New Nas Album Tracklist

Last night Kanye tweeted a picture with the tracklist for the upcoming 7 track colaborative album between him and Nas.

https://twitter.com/kanyewest/status/1006739170897743872

This is the 4th album of the summer for Kanye West, who has been releasing a new 7 track album with different artists every week, and there's still one more to go after this one. The album, Nas's 12th album, comes out this Friday and it may be his most experimental. Kanye tweeted "We’re trying new ideas without the fear of not being perfect… It’s just a gut feeling sometimes… just making stuff with your friends…" But if the previous albums show anything about this one expect to hear a lot of Nas this summer.

by Stephen Kaplan

Why XXL Freshman List Has Lost Support

XXL used to be something that hip-hop fans looked forward to every year. Over the past few years, the freshman list has fell off due to a few different factors. Allowing sponsorships and investors to have an opinion on the lineup has effected the quality of the list.

Artists left off the list in 2018: 6ix9ine, Rich the Kid, Lil Skies, Famous Dex, Lil Xan, Joyner Lucas, Tee Grizzley, Nav, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Baby, CDot, and many others.

Lil Skies & Rich the Kid declined to be a part of XXL. Skies went on social media and said that he could not be part of a rigged list. Rich the Kid declined after being given Skies spot.

Famous Dex was not on the list because of the assault video that came out in 2016. A similar reason was given for 6ix9ine, but later DJ Akademiks confirmed the true reason was a sponsorship issue.

With this all being said, the artists that made the list are dope. They have all worked very hard for their spot, yet the lineup doesn't have the same authority as in the past, especially when 5 or 6 of the artists who were left off the list, have made a much larger impact on the culture.

by Collin Covert

Phonte Shows Off His Crib in New Video

Phonte takes us on a tour of his enormous home in the video for his song, "So Help Me God". The one-take, "MTV Cribs" style visual captures Phonte walking around his home in a bathrobe.

The Marco Polo produced track hits hard with bars such as, "That will shit to happen like he Tio Salamanca. Bogart ya whole shit like we in Casablanca." Phonte name drops on the Mexican drug kingpin from the show Breaking Bad.

[youtube id="HgrlCJPiLQs"]

by Collin Covert

Watch Childish Gambino Perform At Open Mike

Once a month Chance the Rapper's charity, SocialWorks, puts on an "Open Mike" (named in honor of Brother Mike Hawkins) in collaboration with Chicago Public Library. There have been 27 Open Mikes so far, with over 6,000 attendees and star studded lineups, having featured appearances from Vic Mensa, Kanye West and yesterday Childish Gambino was added to that list. Gambino came out and performed his hit "This Is America" with full choreography.

https://twitter.com/MalcolmLondon/status/1006330602717614080

by Stephen Kaplan